May 22, 2022

We have a certain way of doing things in Louisiana that’s, well, often different than what one might find elsewhere. Friday night was my “farewell” concert as Music Director of the Baton Rouge Symphony, a position I held for 21 years. It was a program that was to have been done in the spring of 2020. After a two-year Covid postponement, we finally took to the stage for Beethoven’s epic and iconic Symphony No. 9. There are many great symphonies out there, and many that would qualify as “epic”, but there is nothing that compares to this work. It stands alone in the symphonic repertoire.
 
So, with what does one follow Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9? Well, in South Louisiana, for a special celebration such as this, the Ninth Symphony is followed by a brass band, decked out in their black and whites, filling the concert hall with the sounds and spirit only such a group can create. It is actually not the non sequitur it might seem at first. Beethoven’s work is a celebration of joy and brotherhood, and those two concepts are also at the root of the Louisiana brass band tradition.
 
Here’s how it went down: We finished the symphony, and I came off stage after the bows. The band was collected back stage and they started in with “The Second Line” (aka Joe Avery’s Blues) from the wings. I was handed the obligatory umbrella and instructed to lead the band from backstage, down into the seating area, forming a parade that went into the lobby then out the doors onto the plaza,…a classic “Second Line”. 
 
Now, mind you, one does not normally get a brass band of their own except at their funeral, so I made the most of it. Living in south Louisiana as long as I did, I learned a few things. For a guy born in Connecticut, leading a Second Line came surprisingly naturally to me if I do say so myself.  It was outrageously fun, and the best part was seeing so many old friends as the parade moved through the concert hall. Once on the plaza, another band, a fabulous dance band, kicked off an outdoor dance party that went on into the night. What a way to go out!
 
I am grateful for so much from my 20+ years with the BRSO. I am grateful for the wonderful musicians with whom I had the privilege of sharing the stage so many times. I am grateful for the close friendships developed over the years. I am grateful for the opportunity to, along with my colleagues, bring great music to a wonderful city. I am grateful to all of those who supported our efforts. I am also grateful for all the kind and generous words shared with me in public and private this week. They mean more to me than I can express.
 
It was a very moving evening for me, and kudos to the musicians of the BRSO, the chorus and our soloists for a compelling performance of Beethoven’s masterpiece.  I will cherish the memories and friendships I have made over the years and look forward to creating more. It’s not the last time I will be in BR, but I will miss being there more. I love Louisiana. I love the people, the culture and the breathtaking natural beauty of this place. I am so fortunate that my life’s path intersected with this magical, mysterious, joyous and soulful place we call Louisiana.

#batonrougesymphony #brso